UNIFIL warns parties against 'further deterioration' in south Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said Sunday that it is "very concerned about reports of Lebanese civilians returning to villages where" Israeli forces are still present and of "casualties due to Israeli fire."

"At Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) request, UNIFIL peacekeepers are deploying to areas indicated by LAF across the mission’s area of operations to monitor the situation and help prevent any further escalation. However, the management of crowds remains outside our mandate," UNIFIL said.

It added that "it is imperative to avoid further deterioration of the situation," calling on the Lebanese population to "adhere to the directives of the LAF, which aim to protect lives and prevent an escalation of violence in southern Lebanon."

UNIFIL also urged the Israeli army to "avoid firing at civilians within Lebanese territory," cautioning that "further violence risks undermining the fragile security situation in the area and prospects for stability ushered in by the cessation of hostilities and the formation of a Government in Lebanon."

"UNIFIL emphasizes the critical importance of fully implementing UNSCR 1701 and the cessation of hostilities arrangements through established mechanisms. This includes the complete withdrawal of the IDF (Israeli army) from Lebanon, the removal of any unauthorized weapons and assets south of the Litani river, the redeployment of the LAF in all of south Lebanon and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced civilians on both sides of the Blue Line," the U.N. force added.